VIDEO: Care home residents go on virtual reality adventures

Fancy taking a trip round Paris without leaving the comfort of your armchair in Fife?

Or how about an energetic spot of rock climbing?

Those dreams are becoming reality for elderly residents of a Fife care home thanks to state-of-the-art virtual reality technology.

The pensioners at Balhousie Care Group’s Forth View in Methil are trialling the software, allowing them to experience a rich variety of experiences without leaving the comfort of their favourite seat.

Lee Sexton, IT manager with the care group said the technology can do more than just send people on virtual holidays and experiences.

“We’re always looking at ways of enhancing our residents lives and we know that, through the use of technology, we are able to do this for some residents,” he said.

“It opens up opportunity, particularly for those who experience mobility issues, for social inclusion, interaction and experiences.

“The other apps available include meditation, Google Earth — through which they can visit places they know or have never been to before — and virtual cinema, which gives the impression of actually sitting in a cinema.”

Balhousie’s dementia consultant Yvonne Manson added: “It’s very exciting to be able to consider virtual reality in a care home setting.

“Like any form of therapy, it will not be suitable for every resident, however for others it will provide alternative support for mental and physical stimulation, essential for resident wellbeing.

“We think this software opens up opportunities to residents like never before.

“Thanks to new technology, there’s a whole, virtual, world out there for people to explore.”